Machiavellis View on Human Nature Essay - 1454 Words

Machiavelli’s View on Human Nature The author, Niccolà ³ Machiavelli, is different from other humanists in his time, because his view on the nature of man contradicts what most humanists believed. Humanists of that time believed that individuals played an important role to the well-being of the state, and that â€Å"†¦ they also believed in classicism’s basic tenet that human nature is inherently rational and good† (Western Humanities, pg. 343). Machiavelli, however, had a negative view on human nature and made the central message of his writings based on human weakness (Western Humanities, pg. 346). In The Prince, Machiavelli describes the many negative traits that are inherent among human beings. These traits included are that: people are†¦show more content†¦This requires the people of the state to be obedient. Between cruelty and kindness, cruelty is more efficient, but only in the interests of maintaining the overall welfare of the state. If the prince were to exhibit only cruelty, then the citizens would turn against him and he would eventually be hated. Through this statement, we can see that Machiavelli’s argument is an extension of his partial view on human nature. This argument is logical because as we can see today, we have punishments for those who commit crimes. People follow laws because they fear the punishment that comes with breaking them. And, that some measure of cruelty is necessary to maintain order. The repercussions may not be as extreme as it was back then, but the general idea still exists. This also ties in with another of Machiavelli’s views in that people are trustworthy when times are good, but become selfish, deceitful, and driven by profit when times are bad. Machiavelli argues that when the state is in times of prosperity and good terms, the citizens will be happy and will be obedient to the prince. But when the state becomes threatened or if the prince does not lead the state well, then the citizens will become disorderly and selfish. This can be found in Chapter IX when Machiavelli states that in times of prosperity, everyone declares allegianceShow MoreRelated Machiavelli’s View of Human Nature Essay1696 Words   |  7 PagesMachiavelli’s View of Human Nature Simple versions of Machiavelli’s conception of human nature may readily be elicited from The Prince. It is easy to find textual support for claims that appear to presuppose or be equivalent to some version of psychological egoism. He says, for example, that â€Å"men in general †¦ are ungrateful, voluble, dissemblers, anxious to avoid danger, and covetous of gain; as long as you benefit them, they are entirely yours,† but their â€Å"love is held by a chain of obligationRead MoreEssay about Machiavelli’s View of Human Nature583 Words   |  3 Pages Machiavelli’s philosophy about the nature of man is that man possesses both good and bad qualities, but will lean towards his own self-interests when all things are equal: thus man is a fickle creature. Machiavelli’s view of human nature influences his view of government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Machiavelli writes, â€Å"that man has qualities that will bring him either praise or blame† and because aRead MoreAnalysis Of The Prince By Niccolo Machiavelli832 Words   |  4 Pageswas of the view that politics has the morality of its own, and that there is no repute of justice or injustice, of brutality or forgiveness, of agreement or dishonor, which should interfere with the decision of defending the state and preserving its freedom. The Prince was written as a letter of personal advice to Lorenzo Medici. He has made numerous recommendations to the ruler in instruction to protect his power (Jacobs). 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This popular depiction is due to Niccolo Machiavelli’s harsh portrayal of the interlaced relationship between power and politics in his treatise, The Prince. Machiavelli begins his work by contending that it is â€Å"more effective† to reveal the â€Å"practical truth of a subject†Read MoreNiccolo Machiavellis The Prince810 Words   |  3 Pages Niccolo Machiavelli’s most famous book, The Prince, contains the most valid information for a prince, a president, and even a king, to keep hold of their own power. Machiavelli tells about the importance and power of political action, his opinions, and most of all philosophy at it’s finest. Throughout the twenty-six chapters of this book he describes the bold, brave, practical, and powerful prince and how the prince’s life should be lived. Machiavelli’s view of human nature is used as justificationRead More Machiavelli?s View Of Human Nature Essay1060 Words   |  5 Pages Machiavelli’s view of human nature. Machiavelli has long been required reading for everyone intrested in politics and power. In The Prince Niccolo M achiavelli presents a unique view on governing a state. Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the only authority that should determine every aspect of the state and put in effect a policy which would serve his best interests. These interests were gaining, maintaining, and expanding his political power. (Machiavelli,5). His understandingRead MoreThe Political Theories Of Machiavelli, Niccolo Machiavelli And Thomas Hobbes1456 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferent views of human nature, which is what people are fundamentally like. In order for a political theory to function in a certain society, it needs to understand how people think and act. Three prominent political theorists were Aristotle, Niccolo Machiavelli, and Thomas Hobbes. 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Many have spent years philosophizing the different ways the system of government can function as. Two men, specifically, have thought quite a bit about power, human nature, and the ideal way of governing.   Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s political philosophy in  The Social Contract speaks often of freedom. Some of his popular ideas are the general will that expresses the need for said freedom. Government’s creation was for